Derelict site in Mallow
Deputy Mick Barry raised a derelict former hotel site in Mallow and argued councils should use derelict sites powers more robustly. The Chair cautioned against listing buildings, and the Tánaiste said he would follow up and that action on dereliction was a priority.
The Tánaiste will be aware that Mallow will be added to the constituency I represent at the next general election. As a socialist, I will do my very best to represent and fight for the interests of ordinary people in this area. While I was happy to recently visit Mallow and introduce myself, I was disappointed to see a large derelict site halfway down the main street. On inquiry, I discovered that the old Central Hotel site has been in the hands of various private owners down the years and has been vacant and derelict for 16 years. What an insult to the people of Mallow. This could be a community centre. It could be turned into a park. It could be used for affordable apartments, shops or a hotel. I understand the owners bought it cheap and I think Cork County Council should use its compulsory purchase powers to buy it back cheap, take it into public ownership, put something useful in there for the people of the town.
Comment on this
Would the Tánaiste agree there are far too many derelict sites in towns and villages throughout the country and councils should be doing more with their derelict sites powers?
Comment on this
We cannot start rehearsing lists of derelict buildings in the country. This is a matter the Deputy should take up with the local authority, not here.
Comment on this
I am surprised it has taken the Deputy so long to introduce himself to Mallow. I have been in and out of Mallow an awful lot.
We have to deal with derelict sites and we are very focused on doing that. I believe the Deputy was in Mallow for the opening of the 49th dementia daycare centre. It was good for him to bear witness to the industry and hard work of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who really has made a big difference in dementia care in the country with the increasing number of these dementia care centres that are being provided. I will follow up with the Minister on that site and see what the state of play is. The local authority should be working on that.